In 2002, CultuurNet Flanders created an OuTnetwork of local and regional partners to deliver itʼs mission: to give more people, more enthusiasm and more culture. This summer, the OuTnetwork welcomed its 200th OuTpartner, and month by month the network grows.

Flemish people spend 80% of their free time within a radius of 30 kilometres of their home. The primary goal of the OuTnetwork Partners is to increase participation in local cultural and leisure by providing answers to questions like ʻWhat can I do in my spare time?ʼ and ʻWhatʼs going on in my neighbourhood?ʼ.

Sharing knowledge during one of our workshops for community functionaries

To achieve their aim, they use several marketing and communication tools. Local websites and the distribution of printed magazines are the shortest route to the activities and events taking place just around the corner. However, the majority of their partners go an extra mile to reach out to their public. For example, they recently opened a separate reception desk (an OuTdesk) to provide a first line of communications with their public.

Want to spend some free time in Sint-Truiden? Hop in at the UiTbalie!

Cultural market partners organise events annually to attract new audiences and to sustain relationships with existing audiences. Several partners took part in the OuTcampaign this year which revolved around local heroes, with partners selecting famous local people and making them the face of their campaigns.

CultuurNet Flanders has a team of 8 people who travel throughout Flanders to give
personal support to local authorities and to help them in taking a more strategic approach to their culture and leisure communication. A satisfaction survey in the spring of 2011 has shown that partners are pleased with the advice that theyʼre given and that it helps them in encouraging participation in cultural and leisure activities.

Local hero Lien leads the way in Asse. Find OuT what is INside you!

As well as personal support, the OuTnetwork focuses on knowledge-sharing between the partners, organising several workshops each year. These events invite communication and marketing experts and encourages debate around their topics and create the perfect networking opportunity for the partners. It gives them the opportunity to exchange personal experiences and inspire colleagues in other communities.

The personal guidance and the workshops organised by the OuTnetwork are placing the
partners a step closer to achieving their aim: to promote participation in culture to new
audiences and to build a long lasting relationships with their public.